Ravi Singh

The Sixth Chakra or Third Eye is located in the square inch of space just above the bridge of the nose. People think they should try to "open" the 3rd Eye, but in fact, we need to narrow its focus so we can penetrate through illusion and see what is.

Ironically, the more we narrow our focus the more we can view the whole picture. We are liberated when we can see what's truly real. The 3rd Eye is considered the higher octave of "smell." It helps us sense things or "sniff" things out. Physically, the more we fine-tune our alignment the more expansive and free we can become.

The 6th Chakra is the main energy distribution center and thus informs all the other chakras.  Students often ask: Is it okay to isolate and work on one chakra alone? Yes, although there is always a synergy, and while you can focus on one, no chakra is an island. The 6th Chakra relies, for example, on the grounding energies of the First Chakra, the creative energy of the Second, and the vital energies of the Third. At the gym, whether your focus on your arms your legs or your neck -- they are all connected to the whole, or your core.

Often we see accomplished yogis whose energy seems to stop at their necks. In our well-intentioned rush to be "spiritual," we over-think. Instead of balancing out some of that intellect with good grounding, we actually fragment ourselves in our quest to be whole. Its not just yogis. Do some people watching. Look for this leading with the head. We are literally ahead of ourselves! When we are not in our bodies we are not present. The head can't know what the body is doing and vice versa!

Another physical counterpart of the 6th chakra, the pituitary, or master gland conducts the symphony of glandular secretions in the body. When the head is out of alignment the glandular system is out of tune. 

The 2nd Chakra, which relates to fluidity and movement, is the polarity of the 6th. Just as we need to not only open the 3rd eye but narrow its focus. We want to open the pelvis as well as stabilize it.  We want to balance romance and reality and move with strength and grace.

No matter what position we are in we always want the head gracefully balanced on the spine. This can be difficult to find on your own and a Teacher's feedback can be invaluable. As we move up from the lower chakras to the higher we are moving from our gross to our more subtle elusive aspects. As we move up the spine, physical alignment also becomes more subtle and tricky and we need to focus more intently and somewhat "sense" our best positioning.

Given that the pituitary also relates to the limbic or "feeling" section of the brain, we will use a (6th) sensing exercise to bring this part of our body into alignment.

Lie on your back and feel the weight of your pelvis, chest and head on the floor. These three masses should have the feeling of weight. Enjoy this exercise! Simply lie there and let gravity have its weight with you! Imagine the weight of these three masses is even heavier then they are. Then sit up and with eyes shut try to sense this weight and stack them one under the other. Head, chest, pelvis.

Feel as if a string is attached to the crown of your head gently pulling it upwards. Imagine a huge buoyant balloon attached to the other end. Stand up and go to a wall. It is best to find a place where the wall juts out forming a corner. Stand with your back against it. You should feel the back of your pelvis, your upper back, and the back of your head touching the wall. Your chin should be level with the floor. Again, sense the weight of these three masses.

Now return to the floor and lie on your stomach. This is an exercise specifically to help the 3rd Eye activate. Have the hands palms down at the sides of the chest, fingers pointing forward, and push yourself up into a front push-up position with the toes curled under. Even here try to sense the weight of the head, chest, and pelvis and line them up as if you are still standing. Focus at the 3rd eye. Long Deep Breathing. 1-3 min.

This exercise will stimulate the pituitary and help bring all your glands into a state of balance. The pituitary produces human growth hormones which are very important to keep us youthful, vital, and strong! 

Ana Brett

Meditation Of The Month: Laya Yoga Meditation For Insight & Expansion

This technique is a potent 3rd Eye opener.  There is a fine line between true transcendence and escapism.  The 3rd Eye, or Eye of Shiva (All Seeing, All Knowing) is also known as the Ajna Chakra.  Ajna means command.  We need to command our own mind in order to command a Destiny.  Our ability to perceive other realities should be directly proportionate to our willingness to be in the here and now. It's been said that our Destiny is written on our foreheads. When the 3rd Eye is active we can more easily see where our Destiny lies and plot a judicious life course for the realization of that. 

Inhale in 4 strokes as you turn your head left, right, left, right.  Then, with the face facing forward chant rhythmically:  Wahay Guru, Wahay Guru, Wahay Wahay Wahay, Guru 2x.  Then inhale in 4 parts again and continue for 11 - 31 min.  Focus your gaze up and in towards the brow, on a line between the eyebrows, an inch above the bridge of the nose. Merge into the spin of the sound at the brow. 

All occurrences create ripples in a sea of vibration.  This technique can give you the sensitivity to tune into anything.  Never forget that every gift comes with a responsibility. Use the elevated consciousness this bestows to work on behalf of all beings.